, 1887-11-02
Nat Goodwin and John L.
Chicago Inter ocean.l

Nat Goodwin. the comedian, is a great
patron IN everything in the way of sport.
Among the fighters that Nat Is on partIc-
ularly friendly terms with is the champion
John IL Sullivan, and whenever the
twain struck the same town together
there was always sur TO be a heap of fun
before they got away 1t was two years
ago this coming winter that Nat struck
the town to play an engagement at Hoo
ley s, and the same week John l.. 5ulli
van blew in. One night, and a cold bit
ter night it was too, after the theaters
had closed their doors for the night, John
l.. and a party of friends had assembled
at The Store" on Clark sire ct for the
purpose of having a social time, although
it was generally given out to the papers
at that time that John was a total alb
stainer.
Along the bar the crowd stood two
deep, and the champagne corks were
flying about right merrily when the door
opened and in walked Nat Goodwin, ap-
parently a little the worse for wear. His
long ulster tapped loosely about him, and
his seal skin cap was drawn down far
over his eyes. Walking up to where
Sullivan stood, leaning against the bar,
he coolly picked up the glass of wine
that sat before the champion and tossed
1t off without SO much as saying, by
your leave, sir" The crowd looked on
in breathless establishment, there being
only two or three present that recognized
the comedian In his street attire or that
knew that he and John were on particu-
larly friendly terms. Sullivan looked sur.
prised, and then, ordering another bottle,
he again filled his glass. Scarcely had he
gnf - Inuvn ~, tEn 49, --... lLr.-a ~ -
win, with a peculiarly aggressive look,
again picked up the glass and gulped
down the wine. This tune the crowd ex
pected to see Sullivan knock the stranger
into a crooked hat. Pulling himself to-.
gcther the champion grufHy said:
Say, young teller, don't you do that
again.
"Will if wan to" came back the re-
ply in quick, sharp tcnes.
No yer won't neither"
How will you help YOURSELF"
Ill lick the stufin' out O. YOU.
Bet you you don't, you big loafer."
1t was growing interesting now and the
crowd gathered in breathless interest
about the party.
Say" blurted out the big fellow,
bringing his huge fist down with a thump
on the bar, II guess you don't know who
you are talking TOP"
mo, nor [ don't care either, You
might be that big loater John L. Sullivan
for all | know"
well that's just who l am" and
John squared himself around for bust
ness.
You're just the duck I'm looking
for" said Goodwin. Now you get out
Of here, and with the crowd gazing on
in a horror struck way he rushed at Sulli
van, and catching him by the nape Of the
neck and seat of the pants he rushed him
toward the front door, and fred him into
the street, Sullivan apparently being
struck dumb with astonishment.
Slamning the door behind the flying
form of the puRilist, Nat started back to
the bar and ordered wine for the party,
who looked on with admiration at his
gameness, and who evidently thought
him a perfect demon, while the Pa son."
who had sneaked off into a corner, was
nearly bursting with laughter.
By and by sullivan poKed his head into
the door, as if fearing a repetition of the
firing out" process. and merely said:
Say, Mister, can | come M
You cam, if you'll behave yourself"
was Mats reply, and Sullivan sneaked in
and took up his position at the far end of
the bar.
1t was fully an hour before the crowd
wos introduced to Nat, and then those
present fully realized the meaning of the
little comedy that Nat and John had fixed
up Tor their especial benefit.